(a) Collins defines holiday as "a day on which work is suspended by law or custom". Which fits. I think "a day free from work that one may spend at leisure" from American Heritage does not. So before attacking someone for their use of that word, you have to go through their home to find which dictionary they own. If they own AH, you can slap 'em silly. If they own Collins, congratulate them on the correct use of the word.
(b) I've posted here before about my experiences with the Canadian War Museum here in Ottawa, and if you have a chance, definitely go. Many veterans, including some on their last legs, volunteer there to tell their stories. I said it in other threads, I don't know how they do it sometimes.... spending their last days re-living the worst ones of their lives. But it is eye opening to hear first hand from someone who was actually there. You can hear the emotion and feelings that they had.
(c) While Remembrance Day is not statutory in Ontario, many companies CHOOSE to open at 12:30. I tried going to Walmart at 8 this morning and while they had a sign out front that said "OPEN 7 TO MIDNIGHT EVERY DAY BETWEEN NOV. 6 AND DEC. 23", I guess they forgot today when they made the sign as I was shoo-ed off. A cleaner came to the door and told the three of us outside that they decided to open only at 12:30 so people could go to the ceremonies.
(d) Interestingly, a fair number of people said that they were NOT going to go downtown this year even though they usually do because they feared the crowds. I only went once, and you couldn't get close enough to hear anything.... you actually appreciate it more on television. So with Prince Charles speaking as colonel-in-chief of several Canadian regiments, there was a somewhat added interest. While I'm not much for the royal family AT ALL, I am glad that he acknowledged that while this is a day to remember past veterans and their sacrifices, but to also remember those currently fighting in Afghanistan.
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